49ers' projected season-opening 53-man roster as minicamp ends early with big issues remaining
Time to predict the 49ers' season-opening roster, with three months to spare.
The offseason program provided clues on which backups might stick, and that's because half the starters didn't practice while in rest, recovery or “reward-me” mode.
Contractual issues in the coming weeks should lead to some exits (Jimmy Garoppolo, Dee Ford) and some contract extensions (Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa).
Here is who looks in (and out) for the 53-man roster:
Quarterback
IN (2): Trey Lance, Nate Sudfeld OUT: Jimmy Garoppolo, Brock Purdy WHY: Lance looks at ease transitioning to the QB1 role, from his fluidly running the offense to admirable leadership from a 22-yearold novice. Garoppolo's shoulder rehabilitation got him excused from minicamp, and although he'll be welcome at camp if healthy, he's more likely to play elsewhere rather than vie for his old job or a reducedsalary, backup role. Sudfeld won't push Lance more so than help tutor him with new QB coach Brian Griese.
Running back
IN (6): Elijah Mitchell, Kyle Juszczyk (FB), Jeff Wilson Jr., Ty Davis-Price, Trey Sermon, Jordan Mason
OUT: JaMycal Hasty, Josh Hokit (FB)
WHY: Mitchell's rehabilitation from minor knee surgery looks good, but the 49ers always need a deep bench here. Davis-Price didn't practice the past two weeks so that stunts his bid for the QB2 role, but pads and live contact will determine the true depth chart in camp. Mason looks like the next undrafted rookie in line to the Shanahan system.
Wide receiver
IN (5): Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Danny Gray, Ray-Ray McCloud
OUT: Malik Turner, KeeSean Johnson, Marcus Johnson, Austin Mack, Taysir Mack, Tay Martin
WHY: Samuel did not get traded ahead of the draft and showed for minicamp, where he didn't practice but did light work on the side. Aiyuk and Jennings should ascend along with Lance. McCloud will work from the slot and as a returner, and Gray is a deep threat who was shut down last week with a hamstring issue. The sixth spot is up for grabs, and Turner gets the early nod here.
Tight end
IN (3): George Kittle, Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley
OUT: Tyler Kroft, Tanner Hudson, Jordan Matthews, Troy Fumagalli WHY: Same unit as ever. Kittle and Woerner worked on the side then watched practices. An intriguing battle is ensuing for the No. 3(possibly No. 4) spot. Dwelley is the incumbent, but Kroft and Hudson made acrobatic catches in minicamp, and Matthews' conversion from wide receiver is a year improved. Perhaps someone aces Kittle's co-hosted Tight End University in Nashville June 20-22.
Offensive line
IN (9): Trent Williams (LT), Aaron Banks (LG), Jake Brendel (C), Daniel Brunskill (RG/C), Mike McGlinchey (RT), Colton McKivitz (T/G), Spencer Burford (G), Jaylon Moore (G/T), Nick Zakelj (G)
OUT: Justin Skule, Keaton Sutherland, Sam Schluester, Dohnovan West, Jason Poe, Alfredo Gutierrez WHY: Juggling the interior spots could be an ongoing matter through camp, especially if a veteran free agent arrives to push Brendel (and possibly Brunskill) for the center spot. This unit lost Laken Tomlinson and Tom Compton but enough choices remain in the homegrown garden. Those missing the cut should be practice-squad locks.
Defensive line
IN (11): Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, Samson Ebukam, Drake Jackson, Kerry Hyder Jr., Kevin Givens, Charles Omenihu, Hassan Ridgeway, Kemoko Turay, Maurice Hurst.
OUT: Dee Ford, Kalia Davis (injury list), Jordan Willis, Alex Barrett, Kevin Atkins
WHY: Bosa might be right in saying the 49ers will need extra spots for this deep unit. Ridgeway and Turay arrived in free agency with $1 million guarantees, so will that assure them a roster spot? Ridgeway may be more than insurance for Kinlaw's knee recovery.
Linebacker
IN (4): Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Azeez Al-Shaair, Oren Burks
OUT: Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Curtis Robinson, Jeremiah Gremmel, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Segun Olubi
WHY: Burks, formerly the Packers' special-teams ace, led the linebacker drills while the incumbent core didn't practice because of rest or rehabilitation. Robinson also saw first-team reps, so the Stanford product is in the mix. McCrary-Ball is an undrafted darkhorse to follow
Cornerback
IN (6): Charvarius Ward, Emmanuel Moseley, Ambry Thomas, Sam Womack III, Deommodore Lenoir, Tariq Castro-Fields
OUT: Jason Verrett (injury list), Darqueze Dennard, Ka'Dar Hollman, Qwuantrezz Knight
WHY: The final cuts should be fascinating, and health could factor into that. Dennard's been their No. 1 nickel back, but it's hard to see the 49ers parting with any of their drafted prospects. Lenoir might be on the shakiest ground. Hollman might have the tenacity to ascend. Special teams could be the ultimate decider if someone emerges as a gunner. Verrett's knee recovery could have him ready for camp, but the 49ers may exercise caution and start him on the physically unable to perform list.
Safety
IN (4): Jimmie Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Tarvarius Moore, George Odum
OUT: Leon O'Neal Jr., Tayler Hawkins
WHY: O'Neal is an exciting, undrafted rookie who'd likely have to beat out Moore (coming off 2021 Achilles tear) or Odum (special-teams ace from Colts).
Specialists
IN (3): Robbie Gould (K), Mitch Wishnowsky (P), Taybor Pepper (LS)
OUT: None
WHY: They're rolling with the same cast as the past two seasons, until further notice.